Military corruption scandal uncovered in Lithuania

A Lithuanian soldier is under investigation for allegedly accepting bribes to exempt conscripts from mandatory military service, with payments ranging from €50 to €600 per case, LRT.lt reports.

According to the General Prosecutor’s Office, a pre-trial investigation is underway into suspected corruption within the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Prosecutor Artūras Karpalovas of the Šiauliai Regional Prosecutor’s Office stated that a soldier from the Šiauliai Regional Military Command, responsible for conscript administration, is accused of taking bribes to exclude individuals from service.

“The suspect did not act alone. We believe he worked with at least six other individuals who identified people willing to avoid military service,” Karpalovas said. Investigations suggest that between 2022 and January 2026, over 200 people may have paid bribes to evade conscription.

Seven individuals, including two linked to the military and five civilians, have been formally charged. The bribe amounts varied, with some paying as little as €50, while others paid up to €600. The total was divided among the soldier handling the documents, intermediaries, and others involved in the scheme.

Most of the accused have reportedly admitted partial guilt and are cooperating with authorities. The case was initially reported by colleagues within the military. Algis Chormanskis, head of the Šiauliai Pre-Trial Investigation Division of the Military Police, emphasised that such actions violate both the law and the core values of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

“This behaviour not only grossly violates the law but also contradicts the fundamental values of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, causing significant damage to our military, state, and national defence,” Chormanskis said. The soldier in question had served for approximately eight years and was previously rated as performing well or very well before being suspended from duty.

During the investigation, over 14 searches were conducted, and more than 30 mobile phones, computers, watches, and documents were seized as evidence.